Dog Transfer Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Transfer Coordinator

Department:           Placement

Reports To:            Placement Supervisor

Location:               3180 Presidential Dr, Atlanta, GA 30340

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.  The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community.  We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

The Dog or Cat Transfer Coordinator is responsible for managing the logistics of animal transfers, both inbound and outbound. This role works closely with external rescue partners, transport coordinators, and internal shelter departments to ensure that animals are safely and efficiently moved between shelters and rescues.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties.   Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards --  Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Transfer Coordination:

• Coordinate the transfer of dogs/cats between LifeLine shelters, partner shelters, rescues.
• Work with rescue partners to identify animals suitable for transfer, ensuring that all transfer details are accurately handled. 
• Take responsibility to manage intake and placement of transferred animals, ensuring proper medical evaluations and behavioral assessments are completed.
• Collaborate with the Foster and Adoptions teams to facilitate smooth transitions for animals from the transfer system to foster or adoptive homes.

Collaboration and Support:

• Collaborate with veterinary staff on medical treatments for dogs and cats in the shelter, ensuring all transfer animals receive appropriate care in order to support LifeLine’s mission to save lives.
• Coordinate with the Adoptions/Foster departments to schedule surgeries for dogs/cats, ensuring timely medical care for adoptable animals.
• Work closely with the transport Coordinator to schedule and arrange transportation for animals, ensuring that all legal and safety regulations are followed. 
• Communicate transport details with both internal shelter staff and external partners to ensure smooth handoffs during animal transfers.
• Courageously collaborate with relevant staff and departments to address effective communication and support for the shelter population.
• Respect, embrace and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset when greeting and working with visitors.

Rescue Coordination:

• Coordinate with the Placement Manager/Supervisor regarding the placement of dogs and cats for rescue, ensuring timely transfers to appropriate facilities.
• Build and maintain relationships with external rescues, shelters, and transport organizations to expand transfer opportunities and increase positive outcomes for animals.
• Communicate regularly with rescue partners regarding animal availability, transportation needs, and scheduling.

Animal Evaluation and Preparation:

• Compassionately assess dogs/cats for suitability for transfer based on medical, behavioral, and space considerations.
• Ensure animals are prepared for transfer, including updating medical records, coordinating vaccinations, and ensuring that animals meet transport health and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with the Veterinary and Behavior teams to address any medical or behavioral needs prior to transfer.

Record Maintenance:

• Exhibit exceptional stewardship by maintaining accurate records of all transferred animals, including intake details, medical history, and placement outcomes.
• Ensure that all transfer documentation, including health certificates, transfer agreements, and medical records are completed and filed appropriately.

General Responsibilities:

• Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid shelter teams.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area. 
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Passion for animal welfare and a strong understanding of animal care.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and experience with database systems is a plus.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.  
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; college degree or relevant coursework preferred. 

18 years of age or older required.

One or more years’ experience in animal related field or animal sheltering preferred. 

Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, or a similar role is highly desirable. 

Fear Free Sheltering preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.